Rose Flower Facts and Meanings

Rose (botanical name is rosa) enjoyed the honor of being the most popular flower in the world. It is the most popular choice of flower for the purpose of gifting across the world. Roses originate from China and during the Roman period they were extensively grown in the Middle East. The flowers also act as a great addition to office and home décor. Artificial flowers like silk roses in different colors are also used widely as decoration. The birthplace of the cultivated rose is also believed to be in Northern Persia, on the Caspian, or the Faristan on the gulf of Persia.

Roses come in many sizes and there are different varieties for different locations. The flowers are used for decorations, medication, essential oils, making perfumes and cosmetics. Rose flower bouquets are used widely as gifts and special rose flower arrangements are made for anniversaries and weddings. Roses are also used as toxin as they contain citric acids, pectin and vitamin C. Rose hips contain more vitamin C than any other vegetable or fruit.

Roses gives soothing effect for the body and mind. Because of its fragrance roses are also used as mild sedative as well as to treat anxiety and depression. The essential oils extracted from this flower are used in aromatherapy. During the Roman period, roses were extensively grown and used in food, for medicinal purposes, as confetti at celebration and as a source of perfume. Old scented roses were used to make jelly in the 19th century.

The Netherlands is the world leader in rose cultivation, with about 8000 hectares of its land under rose cultivation. In 1996, more than 1.2 billion fresh cut roses was bought by the Americans and that is equal to 4.67 roses for every child, woman and man nationwide. The rose is also the favorite flower of 85% of Americans and florists sell millions of roses each year in that country. The only roses which originated in United States of America are the Noisette roses. The world’s largest bouquet is made from 70,000 roses and this 23.4 metre arrangement was the work of Ashrita Furman. The two biggest days for rose sales are Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Christmas is the third highest day for rose sales.

The rose has been a symbol of beauty, love, even war and politics from way back in time. The color, variety and even number of roses carry symbolic meanings. Rose (especially red rose) is most known as the flower of love. A dozen of them makes the ultimate statement on Valentine’s Day. White rose flower is used as symbol of humility or sympathy, red rose for deep emotions especially love, yellow rose is used as symbol of friendship.

These flowers were considered the most sacred flowers in ancient Egypt, they were used as offerings for the Goddess Iris. They also have been found in Egyptian tombs, where the flowers were formed into funeral wreaths. The rose of Great Britain was the symbol of Royal Family. The red rose is the symbol of England, and it is worn on St George’s Day. The president Ronald Reagan signed legislation in 1986, making the rose the official national flower of the United States.

In Greek mythology, it is said that it was the goddess of love, Aphrodite who gave the rose its name. Rose was created by the goddess of flowers, Chloris with the help of the goddess of love (Aphrodite) who gave her beauty and the god of wine, Dionysus, who added nectar to give her sweet scent. Mythology also says that thorns in roses grew when Cupid accidentally shot an arrow into a rose garden.